TSA Simplifies Screening Process for Wounded Soldiers

The Transportation Security Administration has announced it will be offering an expedited airport screening process to severely injured members of the armed services.

Starting Wednesday, the TSA will offer wounded soldiers curb-to-gate service and allow them to go through security with their shoes, light jackets and hats on. Current military personnel who go through a TSA checkpoint in uniform and with proper identification can already keep on their footwear, under existing rules.

“In recognition of the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform, we have revised our screening requirements to allow expedited screening for this trusted group of citizens,” TSA deputy administrator John Halinski, himself a 25-year Marine Corps veteran, said in a statement.

In order to receive the expedited service, wounded soldiers or their travelling companions must contact the Military Severely Injured Joint Services Operations Center prior with their itinerary prior to traveling.

According to a report in the Marine Corps Times, TSA spokesman Nico Melendez said that the accommodation expansion was in the works prior to a mid-March incident in which a wheelchair-bound Marine was “humiliated” by the airport screening process.